應承
jing1 sing4
The Cantonese word for a promise (vow) is 應承 (jing1 sing4).
應承 is used to describe the act of giving one's word to do a specific task or favor. It is also frequently used to mean 'to agree to' or 'to accept a request/task'.
Meaning: vow (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 應承 can mean 'to promise', it is also frequently used to mean 'to agree to' or 'to accept a request/task'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate a promise that has already been made, the aspect marker 咗 is added after 應承. To express that a promise has not yet been made, use 未 before 應承.
How do you pronounce it?
jing1 sing4
Did you know?
- To describe a 'broken promise', Cantonese speakers often use the term 食言, which literally translates to 'eating one's words'.
- The character 承 represents the idea of 'receiving' or 'supporting' from below, implying that the person promising is taking the burden of the request upon themselves.
- In Cantonese culture, making a promise using 應承 often carries a heavy social weight, where breaking it can lead to a significant loss of 'face' or social prestige.
Examples in context
- 我應承你從今開始對你好。I promise I'll be nice to you from now on.This example shows how to use 應承 to express a commitment to treat someone well.Tatoeba #4778619 by kaenif, translation #3619331 by CK
- 佢應承咗我話每個禮拜都會寫封信俾我。She made a promise to write to me every week.This example demonstrates how to use 應承 to describe a promise to perform a recurring task.Tatoeba #520103 by nickyeow, translation #317064 by CK
- 佢未應承我。He has yet to promise me.This example shows how to use 未應承 to indicate that a promise has not yet been made.Tatoeba #4322100 by richke, translation #6403753 by alishalikescats
- 我願立誓為國家服務。I am willing to promise to serve the country.
Example conversation
At a cafe, a friend reminds the other of a commitment.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting你應承咗陪我行街㗎。nei jing caang zo pui ngo haang gaai ga.You promised to go shopping with me.
- 家明 Ka Ming對唔住，我唔記得咗。deoi m zyuh, ngo m gang dak zo.Sorry, I forgot.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting家明，你一定要守信用呀。gaa ming, nei jat ding jiu sau seon jung aa.Ka Ming, you must keep your word.
- 家明 Ka Ming我應承你，聽日一定去。ngo jing caang nei, ting jat jat ding heoi.I promise you, I will definitely go tomorrow.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
